"The PIO has just been informed by the family of former CJ Renato C. Corona that he has passed away this morning. No details available," SC PIO said.

Corona succumbed to cardiac arrest at 1:48 a.m at The Medical City in Pasig City.

The NTC to which Corona belonged is urging President Benigno Aquino III and other government leaders to quit.

"It is with deep sorrow that the National Transformation Council announce the demise of Council member Chief Justice Renato C. Corona. At 1:48 am today, April 29, 2016, Chief Justice Corona succumbed to cardiac arrest. Please pray for the eternal repose of his soul as he joins his Creator," the council said in its Facebook post.

Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno has directed that the flag in the SC and all courts nationwide be flown at half mast to mourn the passing of Corona.

In 2010, Corona was appointed by the former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as the 23rd chief justice of the SC. However, he was impeached by the House of Representatives on December 12, 2011 due to failure to disclose his statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth to the public.

Corona was a former law professor, private law practitioner, and member of the Cabinet under two Presidents, Fidel V. Ramos and Arroyo, before being appointed to the high tribunal.

He graduated with gold medal honors from the Ateneo de Manila grade school in 1962 and high school in 1966.

Don't miss our regular updates and awesome stories, Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or subscribe via E-mail.